El Cucuy (Mezcal Apple Cider Hot Toddy)

I love this time of year! I’m all about spooky ghost stories and sharing creepy stories with my teenage daughter. My son on the other hand, is a bit too young for ghost stories, so I’ll share those stories with him when he gets older.

Our Colorado weather has been so unpredictable lately. One day it’s 75 degrees and the next it is only 30. We usually have our first snowfall around Halloween, but this year it came early.

I remember the first time I saw trick-or-treaters in Colorado — I felt so bad for them. They had to wear heavy winter coats over their costumes. But then the following year it was so warm. As I mentioned, Colorado weather is very unpredictable.

Now that my kids are older they will be trick-or-treating with friends and I plan to stay home and give out candy, with a calientito in hand.

This cozy calientito is made with canela, cloves, pears, apple cider, and a splash of mezcal. This cocktail is sure to keep me company and remind me of the urban legend that frightened me as a child. My grandma would tell me that if I didn’t behave El Cucuy would come to get me.

El Cucuy is an imaginary creature of the dark, similar to the boogeyman. This cocktail features earthy apple cider flavors that compliment the smoky mezcal, creating a harmonious and frighteningly delicious balance with a haunting kick. Beware; this adult cider hot toddy is not a monster to be carelessly dealt with. Be good or El Cucuy will get you!

El Cucuy (Mezcal Apple Cider Hot Toddy)

El Cucuy is an imaginary creature of the dark, similar to the boogeyman. This cocktail features earthy apple cider flavors that compliment the smoky mezcal, creating a harmonious and frighteningly delicious balance with a haunting kick. Beware; this adult cider hot toddy is not a monster to be carelessly dealt with. Be good or El Cucuy will get you!

About the Author

Yvette Marquez is an Emmy-winning producer and writer, award-winning food blogger, and author of Muy Bueno and Latin Twist. She is a second-generation Mexican-American, born and raised in El Paso, Texas and currently lives in Colorado. She has been sharing cherished family Mexican recipes since 2010. Her blog is the perfect destination for anyone looking to embrace their culture through food, fiestas, and family life. Yvette has been featured in several prominent publications, websites, radio, and TV. Follow her at: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest.